I had a hip replacement done two days ago. It was a mini hip as I am only 36. I came home yesterday. I know everyone says the pain I was experiencing before should go but I am in so much pain. Can hardly move my leg and it hurts with every movement. What is really worrying me is where the cut is has really swollen in the last few hours and is literally sticking out at the side of my waist. Is this all normal?
Hi there. Eventually the swelling will go down and yes there should be no joint pain. However, they cut thru layers of flesh, moved the muscles, cut bones, pounded metal parts and they do it quickly so your body is responding to a major surgery. Take the painkillers, elevate your leg, separate them with pillows do they don't cross over and keep your foot straight. Drink lots if water and walk following your physiotherapy directions. I was not to bear weight for 8 weeks but did the foot pumps ever hour and all the exercises every hour. Good luck.
Kim, I'm certainly not a doctor; but I've had both hips replaced at different times and have had numerous back surgeries. The only time I've had swelling like you describe was after one of my back surgeries and upon the doctor seeing the swelling and feeling the fever at he incision site; he immediately pronounced a staff type infection had set in and needed to be treated immediately. He prescribed some strong antibiotics and after 2 weeks it was all cured up.
Don't wait, if you can't get in contact with your Doctor, then go to the Emergency Room. Good luck and hopefully have a Merry Christmas. Bill, down here in Texas.
Hi Kim I’m 12 weeks post op I had swelling after but take the painkillers on time and try and do some exercises the swelling will go down and the pain will get better I’m now back at the gym and enjoying a pain free life and fingers crossed u will to soon
Dear Kim
I'm really sorry that you have had a poor experience with your mini hip surgery. Not knowing what this mini hip surgery was I had a look at one private hospital web site. Lots of emphasis on reduced length of anaesthesia, shorter length of incision and very quick recovery times. Sorry but am I the only person here becoming somewhat dubious of the real world benefit associated with such claims?
Kim to answer your question, no should not expect what you are experiencing from a hip replacement so I would suggest that you get in touch with your surgeon or doctor ASAP as you may be suffering from infection and the sooner this is addressed the better! BTW where did you have the surgery done?
Cheers, Richard
This is a major op, so you can expect post operative pain and swelling and to need pain killers in the early days. My post operative pain was different to that experienced preop.
That said I think you need to rule out an infection so consult a medic
call your Dr. You cannot risk an infection.
Dear Cluudia
It seems rather odd that you were not to weight bear for eight weeks as in my understanding is that what happens within hours of a hip replacement is that one is got up and weight bearing the same or the next day.
Back in 1997 when I had my first hip surgery and earlier this year when it was revised this was the same routine. Was there something special about your condition or the surgery that put such a restriction on you?
All the best, Richard
Hi Kim,
As long as you feel otherwise well with no fever and a clean wound your swelling is probably to be expected. I'm 12 weeks post op today, and got the most awful shock a few weeks in when I had started going out more. I didn't think I had much swelling, and my lower leg and ankle were still normal size. It was only my physio mentioning my hip was still swollen that I even realised how large it was! So my hubby very kindly took a photo from the back. To say my hip, thigh and bottom were swollen was an understatement. If you imagine the size of a small squash or a very round cabbage sticking out of the side of your buttock that is how large my swelling was. It looked like I had two butt cheeks from different women. And it remained for weeks and weeks like it. I've only been able to lie on that side recently, and even then it's not long before I have to move. It's still not gone down completely, and you have to look carefully to see the difference, but feels hugely better. I hope your pain improves over the next few days. Your body has suffered a huge insult, which is probably worse for you as you are young, fit with toned muscles. You will be surprised though how quickly you make progress. Rest, take as much pain relief as you need and accept all help offered 
Hi I had it done in frimley in Berkshire uk. There is only 4 hospitals in the U.K. That do it at the moment.
Thankyou everyone. I have just read so many reports that say you should be so much better off straight away and I just don't feel like that. I know it's only two days post op but I can hardly move my leg and it feels so tender around wound site. I can get up and go to toilet and do my exercises ( I have to lift my leg on and off the bed with the other one). It actually looks like a have 3 bum cheeks.
Dear Kim
Thanks for that. Whilst your issues may not be anything to be concerned about I would want to get it checked out ASAP.just to put your mind at ease and to be on the safe side. Your health is too important to take chances! If you have a raised temperature and or are feeling unwell get down to A+E pronto.
Cheers, Richard
Hi Kim,
I was non weight bearing for around 6 wks and although the hip pain went I had a completely different pain when I woke up - felt like I’d been hit. Not sure what’s involved in a mini hip but it’s still major surgery so I suspect there is a lot of bruising and probably more to come. Keep an eye on the incision and if it become red or hot to touch sounds like a infection. If your worried though don’t be afraid to go to the emergency dept as better to be safe and you don’t want to be in a situation where it gets worse especially being so young. I had my first at 30 and had 3 in 5 years for various reasons it’s no fun!
Dear Kim
It's right that the horrible joint pain that many suffer from before the surgery will be gone, however as you will appreciate there will have been a lot of cutting, pulling and stretching being done during the surgery.
The smaller the incision the more extreme this of necessity will have been and it is something most peoples bodies object to!
It is early days but if you feel in any way that something is wrong get it seen to especially anything infection wise get someone to take you down to A+E at once.
Cheers Richard
Hi Kim,
I also wonder if our expectations are on the high side as we are told our pain will be gone, and we have already suffered so much. But they don't really tell you about the bit you have to get through to arrive at the pain free station! I'm sure some of us may have had a little more reservation if we knew the full truth beforehand. But it's definitely worth it 
Dear Tech
May I ask why the six week non weight bearing? In my case this was put in place simply because I suffered a suspected cracked pelvis whilst being transported home from hospital in an ambulance would you believe!
Cheers Richard
Cheers Richard
It was because the surgery was more complicated and involved a bone graft, they need time for it to take.
That’s sounds awful, hope it hasn’t hindered the recovery too much and resulted in further ops!
Dear Tech
Many thanks for explaining, much appreciated. I wish you a speedy and a full recovery.
Cheers Richard
Sorry to hear that!! I didn’t go thru that. You should call the doctor who did the surgery!!
Kim ring the ward if you are worried. You should be able to speak to a doctor on call any time of day or night. Good luck
Ann